A dedicated immigration pathway for skilled trades workers falling under Canada’s Express Entry system.
Benefits of FSTP:
- Addresses labor shortages in trades occupations due to an aging population and low birth rate.
- Offers swift permanent residence, typically within six months.
- Candidates may have lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores and occasionally benefit from program-specific draws.
Eligibility Requirements:
- There is no education requirement under. However, you can get points if you have completed educational credential.
- Job Offers: Hold valid job offers for continuous, paid, full-time employment OR have a Certificate of Qualification from a provincial or territorial authority.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate basic language proficiency of CLB 5 for Speaking & Listening, CLB 4 for Reading & Writing.
- Work Experience: Obtained 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the 5 years before applying. Unpaid internship or volunteer is not considered.
- Skill Demonstration: Showcase skills, experience, and ability to perform essential trade duties.
- Applicants must intend to settle outside Quebec.
Certificate of Qualification:
- Validates eligibility to work in a skilled trade occupation in Canada.
- Obtained by passing a certification exam or meeting all requirements to practice the trade in a specific province or territory.
Skilled Work Experience Categories under FSTP (NOC):
- Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades.
- Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades.
- Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production.
- Major Group 83: occupations in natural resources and related products
- Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators.
- Major Group 93: Central control and process operator and air craft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding sub-major group 932, air craft assembler and air craft assemble inspectors.
- Minor Group 6320: cooks, butchers and bakers.
- Unit Group 62200: chefs
Immigration Process:
- Verify eligibility for FSTP.
- Complete language tests and/or Educational Credential Assessment if applicable.
- Submit Express Entry profile on IRCC’s website.
- Monitor bi-weekly Express Entry draws for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Upon receiving an ITA, submit completed permanent residence application to IRCC within the specified deadline.
FAQs
Do I need a job offer to apply to the FST Program?
No, a job offer is not mandatory. Applicants can be eligible through either a job offer or a certificate of qualification.
Is an ECA report required for FSTP?
Education is not mandatory, so an ECA report is not required. However, it's needed if claiming CRS points for education completed outside Canada.
Are language results required for FSTP?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate at least CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing through valid language results.
Is there an age limit to the FST program?
No age limit, but older applicants receive fewer CRS points in the age factor, requiring higher scores in other areas to boost their CRS score.
Should I apply for the FSTP even with a low Express Entry CRS score?
Yes, applying through Express Entry increases chances. Candidates with lower scores may receive a provincial nomination, adding 600 CRS points.
How can I enhance my Express Entry CRS score for FSTP application?
Strategies include securing a job offer, claiming all eligible CRS points, excelling in language tests, and considering spouse/partner as the principal applicant if they have a higher CRS score.
Is proof of funds required upon receiving a permanent residence invitation under FSTP?
Yes, proof of funds is required unless you are legally authorized to work in Canada with an eligible job offer.
Note: “The information herein is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Read our complete Legal Disclaimer on Website”
